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About the property

Despite VRBO reporting scores of properties in Manitou Springs, this property is one of only about 40 vacation rentals actually in Manitou Springs. Now entering its fourth year, this property has garnered more than 125 5-star reviews. See more than 100 of these reviews at vrbo.com/1194615

This property consists of three individual luxury apartments. On the first floor, a two-bedroom/two-bath unit sleeps up to six. On the second floor, there are two one-bedroom/one-bath units that each sleep up to four. There are separate listings for each of the three rental units. This listing contains pricing and information for booking the 1st Floor unit. Email us for help in renting one, two, or all three units, paying for only what you need to accommodate up to 14.

Information for renting all three units is at vrbo.com/1194615; 2nd Floor one-bedroom/one-bath units are at: vrbo.com/1074904 and vrbo.com/1074905.

Email us about combining units for your group, or for help in deciding what you need.

This historic, award-winning property sits across from a park with Fountain creek bubbling through it, just one block from downtown Manitou Springs. Originally the carriage house of Jerome Wheeler, one of the town’s greatest benefactors, this building has been lovingly renovated with beautiful detail.

Each of the three apartments is a fully-independent living space with its own digitally-secure, steel-clad entries. All are built to commercial building code with all-new electrical, plumbing and heating systems. Safety features include a one-hour fire separation between all units, smoke and CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. All are individually insulated for comfort and quiet.

Every room is topped with crown molding (even the bathrooms) and textured in soft pastels. The living areas are finished with oak floors and wool rugs, while the kitchens and baths are fitted with porcelain tile. The bedrooms are topped with panned ceilings and floored with thick, sumptuous carpet.

The 1st Floor apartment, priced in this listing, is a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath unit. The master bedroom offers a four-poster king bed, 39" HDTV, and full en suite bathroom with jetted tub. The beautiful rose and cream colors of the bedroom compliment the cherry wood furnishings. The guest bedroom includes a four-poster queen bed and gorgeous armoire, and is finished in shades of cream and blue. The living room sports a 42" HDTV and a beautiful leather sectional. A full kitchen, oak dining room, laundry and full guest bathroom make this unit complete. Open the French doors to your large flagstone patio, equipped with a gas grill and dining table under the shade of a gazebo. This rental comfortably sleeps up to six guests with use of the queen size 19" air thick bed.

The 2nd Floor East unit offers accommodations for up to four guests. The bedroom is finished with a panned ceiling, a California king bed, walk-in closet and 40” HDTV. The full bathroom is complete with jetted tub. The full kitchen comes complete with granite counter tops and breakfast bar, cooktop oven. and all the modern amenities. The unit is equipped with air conditioning and full-size laundry. The queen-size sofa sleeper accommodates two additional guests. The living room is complete with a 42” HDTV and French doors opening to an alluring deck with beautiful views of Pikes Peak's foothills. This unit is described in full detail at www.vrbo.com/1074904

The 2nd Floor West unit also accommodates up to four guests. The bedroom features a king-size four-poster canopy bed, panned ceiling, and walk-in closet. The full bathroom is complete with jetted tub. This unit offers air conditioning and full laundry. The fully-equipped kitchen is finished with granite counter tops and breakfast bar. The living room is equipped with a 42" HDTV, and the large sofa opens into a queen sleeper with a memory foam topper for two additional guests. The French doors open to a beautiful deck with gorgeous views of the foothills. Enjoy breakfast or dinner in the beautiful outdoors.This unit is described in full detail at www.vrbo.com/1074905

Historical

These vacation rental apartments are in Jerome Wheeler’s carriage house built in 1888.

A second cousin of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Jerome Byron Wheeler served during the Civil War, surviving to marry Harriet Macy Valentine (whose family founded Macy’s department store) in 1870. By 1879 he had become the president and a major shareholder of R. H. Macy and Company after the deaths of both its male heirs.

In 1882, Wheeler and his wife visited Colorado, seeking relief for Harriet’s severe bronchitis. They visited Manitou Springs, as it was famous for its mineral waters. In 1883, they built a summer home here, naming it ‘Windemere.’ This sat where the Post Office is currently located.

Soon, Wheeler began hearing reports of silver strikes in Aspen, and he purchased interests in promising mines. Although his time at New York City's most prosperous department store produced years of record sales and profits, Jerome Wheeler’s ambitions were shifting toward Colorado. Wheeler left his position and sold his shares in Macy’s in 1888.

Wheeler became involved in numerous mining ventures in Leadville and Aspen. He organized the Aspen Smelting Company, and built a mountain tramway to bring ore down the mountain to the smelter. He was president of the Croseus Gold Mining and Milling Company, as well as the Rock Hill Consolidated Gold and Silver Mining Company in Leadville. He was a partner in a marble quarry, and was president of the Grand River Coal and Coke Company. Before long, he was phenomenally wealthy.

He built two of downtown Aspen's landmarks; the Wheeler Opera House and the Hotel Jerome, putting nearly one million dollars in each. These are both thriving today. He built the first bank in Aspen, as well as a large residence, but never lived in the home. Known as the Wheeler-Stallard House, it currently serves as home to the Aspen Historical Society.

All told, he invested nearly $6 million into developing Aspen, and is remembered fondly as an icon there as a result.

Jerome Wheeler became a director of the Colorado Midland Railroad when it was organized in 1885, and brought rail connections to both Aspen and Manitou Springs. He and Colorado Springs railroad tycoon James John Hagerman invested over $100,000 in the extension of the Colorado Midland Railroad to the western slope, the first standard gauge railroad to cross the Continental Divide. Some of the rail beds and tunnels for this railroad can still be seen in various places around town and along US-24 west of Manitou Springs.

He started the Manitou Mineral Water Company, which was very popular back east and was even served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

He invested in the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway, a cog railway that still transports passengers to the top of Pikes Peak.

As he had in Aspen, Wheeler also built the first bank in Manitou Springs, the Wheeler Bank. This yellow brick building sits at the east end of downtown.

Downtown sits a triangle of land with the clock donated by Wheeler to the town. His wife had been intrigued by a similar clock in Italy, so he spent $3600 to provide one for Manitou Springs.

In 1892, Wheeler became embroiled in the first of a series of lengthy and costly lawsuits over one of his silver mines. The combination of the judgments and the Panic of 1893, resulting in the crash of the value of silver, cost Jerome Wheeler nearly his entire fortune.

Wheeler's mining company laid off all its employees. His banks failed and closed for two years, but Wheeler paid his depositors every dollar and they lost nothing.

Manitou Springs continued to benefit from Wheeler’s largess, even after his fortunes had dwindled. He contributed $50,000 toward the construction of Manitou Avenue and outfitted a volunteer fire company. In 1913, after a devastating flood, he gave $10,000 to the city for emergency repairs.

Jerome Wheeler spent most of his remaining years at Windemere until his death on December 1, 1918.

New York. Aspen. Manitou Springs.

Jerome Wheeler was successful wherever he went, and he and Harriet certainly could have lived wherever they desired. But ultimately, they chose Manitou Springs as their home. Come to Manitou Springs and see what they discovered. This is a great place to be.

History of Windemere

Jerome Wheeler’s Windemere estate in Manitou Springs included an elaborate conservatory, this carriage house, billiard rooms and two bowling alleys. Roses for the Cliff House Hotel were grown in the conservatory and placed on guest's pillows each night.

After the death of the Wheelers (Harriet died in 1916), the estate was sold off, and the Wheeler residence was demolished for a hotel. The post office was built on the site in 1940.

The carriage house was divided into seven apartments about 100 years ago. The building fell vacant in the 1980's. We purchased the building in 1993 with the intention of developing it into a bed and breakfast. Ultimately, due to the constraints of time, money, full-time jobs, and kids to raise, the bed and breakfast was never realized. As they say, "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."

Come see why this property has now reached its highest and best use, over 125 years in the making. We think Jerome Wheeler would be pleased with what has become of his carriage house.

Owner

Tim and Kris Monroe

Member Since 2015

Response rate:

100%

Response time:

within a few hours

Speaks:

English

Calendar last updated:

May 23, 2018

About Tim and Kris Monroe

Tim and Kris have resided in Manitou Springs for the past twenty-eight years, and can’t think of a better place to call home.
They share their home with Maggie, an English Springer Spaniel, and Cassie, a twenty-pound Cocker Spaniel bent on world domination.

Tim and Kris Monroe purchased this Apartment in 1993

Why Tim and Kris Monroe chose Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs has so much to offer: a plethora of recreational options, wonderful historic district with numerous shops and restaurants, more natural beauty than your heart can imagine, family events throughout the year, many recognized attractions and more than 250 days of sunshine a year.

What makes this Apartment unique

Our home, once Jerome Wheeler's carriage house, is a gorgeous, award-winning historic building one block from downtown Manitou Springs. Enjoy summer band concerts from your deck or patio. Walk to numerous hiking trails and the Manitou Incline. Saunter across the park to the downtown district with its quaint shops and interesting people, with no need to search for a parking space. The owners, Tim and Kris, live in their own, private unit on-site. So, any issues that arise are handled in a timely manner. Having personal knowledge of the restaurants, trails, and attractions of this wonderful area, they are more than happy to offer insight and suggestions from eating establishments to scenic driving loops.

Theme

Meals

General

We provide a parking lot for one vehicle per unit. Street parking pass provided for large or additional vehicle.

Air Conditioning

1st Floor unit does not have air conditioning, but has 20" stone walls, which help keep the unit cool.
2nd Floor East and 2nd Floor West units have air conditioning.

Linens Provided

Washing Machine

Clothes Dryer

Heating

Internet

Free wi-fi throughout property.

Towels Provided

Iron & Board

Hair Dryer

Living Room

Kitchen

Dishwasher

Refrigerator

Stove

Oven

Microwave

Coffee Maker

Toaster

Pantry Items

Dishes & Utensils

Kitchen

Dining

Dining Area

Dining

comfy seating for 6 people

Entertainment

Television

Two flat screen HD televisions are provided in this unit.

Satellite / Cable

We provide 175+ satellite channels and 2017 NFL Sunday Ticket with at least one full HD flat screen television per unit.

Games

We provide numerous board games.

Music Library

Numerous music channels provided via satellite television service.

Outside

Outdoor Grill

1st Floor Unit has a large gas grill available for use.

Deck / Patio

1st Floor Unit has large patio available.
2nd Floor East and West units have decks.
Covered porch available for use by all units.

Suitability

wheelchair inaccessible

1st Floor access from rear parking lot is via outside sidewalk down one level 1st Floor access from street in front is up a half-dozen steps from sidewalk. 2nd floor units are more accessible for those with difficulties with stairs, as these units open directly to the parking lot.

Long-term Renters Welcome

Pool / Spa

Communal Pool

Manitou Springs has a public, community pool.

Attractions

churches

cinemas

library

museums

playground

restaurants

synagogues

zoo

health/beauty spa

festivals

Leisure Activities

sight seeing

walking

antiquing

eco tourism

bird watching

gambling casinos

horseback riding

scenic drives

shopping

shuffleboard

wildlife viewing

photography

Local Services & Businesses

ATM/bank

fitness center

groceries

hospital

laundromat

Babysitter

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities

hiking

tennis

golf

mountain biking

mountaineering

equestrian events

cycling

mountain climbing

spelunking

basketball court

cross country skiing

rock climbing

snowboarding

House Rules

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Cancellation Policy

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.

8 Reviews

Exceptional5/5

Latest reviews

1 - 6 of 8

A peaceful, well-equipped home in the heart of Manitou!

5/5

Stayed Apr 2018

Hallie K.

We had a lovely stay at Tim and Kris’ carriage house. The home was very clean, orderly, and equipped with all the comforts of home. We enjoyed the close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Manitou but also found the home to be quiet and peaceful, especially at night. It served us well as our “home base” for the weekend with it’s perfect location close to attractions (Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, downtown Co. Springs, etc). Thank you, Tim and Kris, for your beautiful home and warm hospitality!

Submitted May 03, 2018

Wonderful getaway!

5/5

Stayed Apr 2018

Rebecca R.

We loved the location and property. Very well kept home with nice personal touches to enhance the stay. Kris was amazing to work with and an excellent communicator!

Submitted Apr 24, 2018

Owner's Response:

Thank you, Rebecca! So sorry we weren't here to meet you. Thank you for leaving everything so tidy. We would love to have you visit us again!

Tim and Kris

Beautiful and welcoming home in the heart of Manitou Springs

5/5

Stayed Mar 2018

Laura H.

The house was beautiful and immaculate. The owners went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and provide everything we needed for our stay. The location was ideal, right in the heart of Manitou Springs. We enjoyed sitting on the patio watching the kids at the play park right across the street. The location also allowed us to walk downtown to shop or grab a bite to eat without worrying about parking.

We have stayed in several VRBO's across Colorado and elsewhere, this one was likely our favorite. Thank you so much, we hope to be back one day.

Submitted Apr 01, 2018

Owner's Response:

Laura,

Thank you very much for the thoughtful and kind review. We loved having you and your children and hope you visit us next time you're in Manitou Springs!

Tim and Kris

A great place in the heart of Manitou!

5/5

Stayed Mar 2018

Kim F.

The Carriage House is a great place to stay - very cozy and comfortable - and the owners are responsive and kind! Main Street in Manitou with all of the shops and restaurants is only a couple of blocks away! And the park right across the street was great for the family!

Submitted Mar 31, 2018

Owner's Response:

Thank you for such a lovely review, Kim! We enjoyed having your sweet family. Also, thank you for the treats you left; we ended up giving the ice cream cones to the next family: a single mother and her three children. They were very happy!!

Tim and Kris

Excellent stay — a beautifully restored Classic.

5/5

Stayed Feb 2018

Scott M.

Close enough to walk everywhere in Manitou Springs. Owners live upstairs and were very friendly and helpful. Pay attention to their parking directions and all will be well.

Lovely place with a great kitchen and dining area.

Submitted Feb 25, 2018

Owner's Response:

Thank you, Scott,

We're very happy you enjoyed your short stay with us! Hope to have you again some time.

Tim and Kris

Lovely place and great location

5/5

Stayed Jan 2018

Nyla L.Iowa City, IA

We had a wonderful time in Manitou Springs! The Carriage House is located ideally, a block from the bustling downtown and across the street from a nice little park. Close to everything but very quiet sleeping. We stayed in the lower level 2BR--very charming, clean, and comfortable. Well-supplied with everything we could need. We loved the quaint front porch and courtyard right off the dining room and loved being able to take our dogs. Kris and Tim were very welcoming (thanks for the lovely White Merlot and chocolates you left for us!) This was our first time in Manitou Springs and the beauty and charming character of the town far surpassed our expectations. We will be back for sure!

Submitted Jan 16, 2018

Owner's Response:

Thank you, Nyla! We loved having your beautiful family stay with us and hope your daughter had a wonderful birthday!

Tim and Kris

1 - 6 of 8

Location

West Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Rates & Availability

Taxes and fees are additional

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning fee

$90

Pet fee

$90

Additional guest fee

$0 - $30

Discounts are offered for multiple unit rentals. Call or email us for information about these discounts.
The listing web page for the 2nd Floor East unit is: vrbo.com/1074904
The listing web page for the 2nd Floor West unit is: vrbo.com/1074905
The listing web page for all three units is: vrbo.com/1194615
The web page for the respective listing will calculate the rate for your desired stay in that unit.
Cleaning Fees: --- 2nd Floor units: $60 --- 1st Floor unit: $90 --- Whole House: $180
Please email us for verification of availability and rates, or with any questions you may have.